Migration: Illumination's 2023 Animated Hit

The Journey of Migration

Illumination's 2023 animated hit, Migration, has made waves at the box office, surpassing the $150 million milestone despite a slow start. The movie follows a family of ducks whose vacation plans take an unexpected turn when they find themselves stuck in New York City. Starring notable voices such as Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Keegan-Michael Key, Awkwafina, and Danny DeVito, the film premiered to $12.5 million over Christmas weekend 2023, marking the lowest opening gross in the company's history.

The Mallard family is eating berries in Migration.

According to Collider, Migration's success can be attributed to its global appeal, with a roughly even split between its domestic and international gross. The movie has crossed the $150 million milestone, indicating that any earnings beyond this point will contribute to its profit, considering its reported $72 million budget. This achievement is significant for Illumination, especially after the massive success of their previous release, The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Potential for a Franchise

The slow-boil success of Migration has sparked discussions about the potential for a new franchise within Illumination. Despite the movie's initial underperformance compared to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, there is growing speculation about the prospects of a Migration sequel. Illumination's track record of building successful animated franchises, including Despicable Me, Minions, The Secret Life of Pets, and Sing, suggests that Migration could pave the way for an expanded franchise.

The company's willingness to invest in franchises with long-term potential, as evidenced by the development of Sing 3 despite the relative underperformance of Sing 2, bodes well for the future of Migration. With the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie and the anticipation surrounding a potential sequel, it is conceivable that Migration could become a cornerstone of Illumination's lineup, adding to their portfolio of successful animated franchises.

The Future of Illumination

Illumination's commercial success has been driven by its animated franchises, with several titles crossing the $1 billion mark at the box office. While the company's primary focus has been on established franchises like Despicable Me and Minions, the potential for new additions to their lineup, such as The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 and a potential Migration sequel, indicates a strategic shift in their approach to franchise development.

The success of Migration could mark the beginning of a new phase for Illumination, characterized by the expansion of their animated universe. As the company explores the potential for new franchises and sequels, Migration's impact on the box office and audience reception will be a key factor in shaping Illumination's future lineup and strategic direction.